Continuing with my recent mode of questioning where I am going to live, I’ve realized one thing for sure – I love living internationally. I’ve gotten to do so many things that I never imagined doing. While I am thinking that I might like to live somewhere else in the world, I am very happy living as an expat. Here’s why:
Doing the frog dance on midsommar. We are demonstrating the frog's little tiny ears.
1. While I’ve certainly had my ups and downs about living in Sweden, where else could I have done the frog dance around a May pole at midsommar, learned Viking drinking songs, been to pagan bonfires and seen the midnight sun? This is a quirky, beautiful country.
Heading out for the last day of animal viewing at Motswari Game Reserve in South Africa.
2. Because I lived in Stockholm, I got to go on safari in South Africa. How’s that happen, you ask? One of the first people I met in Sweden was Annelie. She is South African. When she got married to her Finnish husband, it was on a game preserve outside of Johannesburg. And the next day, we went on a safari just outside of Kruger National Park. On day one and on our very first time out in the jeep, we saw two lions take down a buffalo. It was amazing, terrifying, powerful. And to this day, this is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done in my life.
Look closely. That mirrored object in the woods is actually a tree house in the Arctic Circle.
3. Thanks to being on assignment for Condé Nast Traveler, I got to stay in a luxury tree house in middle of the woods in the Arctic Circle. That would have never happened if I lived in Cincinnati. By the way, the camouflaged Mirrorcube is the most visually spectacular tree house you ever wanted to see. Accessed via a swinging bridge, the room is supported by a pine tree growing through it and feels like part of the forest.
One of Amsterdam's infamous canals.
4. Living in Europe, I can take quick trips to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, Munich. I’m still thrilled beyond belief that I can experience so much by taking about two-hour plane trip. At this point, I should probably try to act more blase about that, but I’m not.
5. When taxi drivers ask where I am from and I respond, they never believe me. “No, you don’t sound like an American. Where are you really from?” While I find it rather amusing that they don’t believe me, I have to wonder why they think I would lie about that. It’s a strange thing and I don’t know why, but it makes me laugh.
To be continued…
{ 5 comments }
Oohh that treehouse sounded amazing! The next time a taxi driver asks you where you are from, make something up and see if you get a better response!
Sounds like a great time!! And sweet tree house!
Thanks Lou Lou. And I’ve thought about making up where I am from, but haven’t done so yet!
Working Overseas: It’s not a bad life.
These are all good points Sandra! Look forward to the other 5 🙂
Cheers!
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